Tunnel drivers put to the test in police operation

Fiona Thompson

A HOST of penalties were handed out to motorists after they were caught flouting the law as they passed through the Tyne Tunnel.

Northumbria Police carried out a road safety operation at one of the region’s busiest locations.

Throughout yesterday police worked alongside other organisations to carry out the checks at the Tyne Tunnel.

Staff from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and HM Revenue and Customs also joined officers police motor patrols to stop and check vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy and drivers have the right documentation.

Tests for illegal fuel were also carried out.

The operation is part of Operation Dragoon, the force’s road safety campaign aimed at making roads across the region safer for everyone.

Ensuring vehicles are in a roadworthy condition and that drivers have the right documentation plays a vital role in the campaign.

Stopping and checking vehicles gives officers the opportunity to speak to motorists and raise awareness of the importance of road safety.

It also helps disrupt the activity of any criminals using the regions roads to carry out crime.

During the operation:

*Around 40 vehicles in total were stopped, checked and the drivers spoken to

*One vehicle was uplifted for no insurance

*12 Prohibitions issued by VOSA for vehicle defects

*Four Vehicle Defect Notices were issued by police

*One Fixed Penalty was issued for Using a mobile phone

*14 breath tests were carried out - all were negative

*One person was fined for using red diesel.

Thieves travelling throughout the region were also targeted during the activity as part of Northumbria Police’s Operation Soundwave - the forces response to tackling burglaries and thefts.